The bullying of academics follows a pattern of horrendous, Orwellian elimination rituals, often hidden from the public. Despite the anti-bullying policies (often token), bullying is rife across campuses, and the victims (targets) often pay a heavy price.
"Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence." Leonardo da Vinci - "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men [or good women] do nothing." Edmund Burke

December 10, 2014

The University of Ulster

“…At the University of
Ulster, since 2009 there have been 16 claims lodged against the University of
Ulster, with 14 of these withdrawn before they reach tribunal. Of the remaining
two, one case is still ongoing and the other was won in favour of the
University. The University spent £67,282.45 on legal fees to fight this equal
pay case…”

“…A University of Ulster lecturer
whose fixed term contract was not renewed was unfairly dismissed and
discriminated against, a Northern Ireland industrial tribunal has ruled. He is
to receive compensation in excess of £36,000 for losses incurred.

The landmark
decision, in a case backed by UCU and Thompsons McClure Solicitors, clarifies
the employment rights of fixed-term workers.

The damning judgement of the tribunal describes the reasons given by the Human
Resources Director, Ronnie Magee, for not following a proper redundancy
procedure as 'simply breathtaking in their arrogance and inadequacy'…”

“…Ulster University is not only harassing
and bullying staff, they are also wasting an extraordinary amount of taxpayers
money on legal costs in the process. Here are the costs for one single
industrial tribunal case (IT): a whooping £72,990. This was only one case, UU
has been taken to the IT more times than any other UK university in the last
three years!...”

“…Does Mr. McCullough’s absence in the Tribunal case
substantiate the rumor that he is indeed suspended? If so, on what grounds he
is suspended? Would he face a disciplinary action? For what reason? Would there
be a tribunal case- Oliver McCullough vs. University of Ulster? Would Mr. Barry
Mulqueen, the usual barrister of the University of Ulster alongside Mr.
McCullough, would also represent Ulster and this time face Mr. McCullough?”

“…In
Biggart v University of Ulster, an employment
tribunal said that the University’s failure to consult with Dr Biggart when his
contract came to an end was an act of discrimination against him as a fixed
term worker…”

“…In 2009, Prof Holscher raised
concerns about the ethical conduct of Prof Howard after learning of his
involvement in the Alder Hey organs scandal. He told external bodies about his
past conduct. In 2012 a disciplinary hearing charged Holscher with pursuing a
vendetta against Howard. This year, at a second disciplinary hearing, Holscher
was demoted from professor to senior lecturer. Holscher has named nine senior
members of staff he claims were involved in a conspiracy against him and that
his demotion was linked to his complaints against Howard…”

“…In this piece we’d like to show you
what it’s like to be a staff member in such a failed institution as we get up
close and personal with the torturous disciplinary process of the Ulster Gulag.
Some partial explanation for this travesty may lie in the antecedent
institutions of Ulster University as the merged entity inherited academic
contracts which gave managers absolute power over academic staff, minimized
individual academic freedom and left Ulster University a despotic variety of
pre-92 institution by comparison with the relatively relaxed nature of
contracts in more mature institutions. Good people would not stay, and bad
management nurtured further mediocrity and repressive governance…”

Let's hope the new VC, who arrived in July, will lead a root and branch review of the institution, with a view to eradicating the corrupt triangle of Magee-Donnelly-Hope, and bring in a proper, accountable management structure to restore the good name of the institution

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Useful and informative Links

• Bad Apple Bullies - If you work as a teacher in Queensland, a Bad Apple Bully principal can destroy your health and your career with malicious gossip and secret sticky-notes.

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• Bully Online - Those who can, do. Those who can't, bully. Bully OnLine is the world's leading web site on workplace bullying and related issues which validates the experience of workplace bullying and provides confirmation, reassurance and re-empowerment.

• Suppression of dissent - The general field of "suppression of dissent" includes whistleblowing, free speech, systems of social control and related topics. The purpose of the site is to foster examination of these issues and action against suppression. It is founded on the assumption that openness and dialogue should be fostered to challenge unaccountable power.

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• The Workplace Bullying Institute is the sole United States organization dedicated to the eradication of workplace bullying through public education, help for individuals, employer solutions and legislative advocacy.